Solar power push continues in Lamesa

By Marcos Ortiz

Posted: Feb 27, 2018 7:55 PM MSTUpdated: Feb 27, 2018 7:55 PM MST

LAMESA, Texas –

Solar energy is becoming more cost effective and affordable to
build. It’s easy to maintain and renewable energy’s continues to be an
appealing option especially on the plains. OCI Solar Power is extending
Project Ivy installing 197,000 solar modules on the southeast part of
town. It covers about 380 acres and will service 35,000 homes.

“It’s a twenty five year plan that will be in
operations,” said Raymond Selves, field operations manager with RES
America. “Its good consistent renewable, clean energy, that we
need.”

After a successful first phase, Lamesa One, OCI Solar and
RES Renewable Energy Systems America decided to expanding their
operations. This new renewable energy option is expected to bring new economic
opportunities for the city of Lamesa.

“It brought in about a 100 people to construct the solar
panels and that has been up and going for a while,” said Sandra Adams,
president of the Lamesa Chamber of Commerce “Now we are in phase two
and we are excited about that bringing in another 100 people.”

For small towns like Lamesa, big projects like this one also
brings hope to its residents, phase two of this solar panel project will begin
next month and is expected to finish by the end of this year.